Maggie Faris (multiple showtimes)

Minneapolis-based comedian Maggie Faris is the epitome of a journeyman comedian. Her YouTube channel is topped off with booker-friendly clips that are identified by their length and level of cleanliness. Her site is loaded with links to attempts at online virality like “Squirrel Gets Punked,”“Extreme Sister Diet Coke," and “Dog On A Raft.” Does she have a podcast? You better believe she has a podcast. Faris' material and sensibilities are bright and effervescent in a way that’s solidly engaging and entertaining, but it’s hard to deny that a lot of her comedic identity is transparently tied up in the process of professional ladder-climbing. Spencer James features and Madison’s own Ian Erickson hosts. —Chris Lay